Lindwall looks to continue progress

CEDAR RAPIDS - Consider it a working vacation.

Instead of relaxing and waiting for school to begin, Cedar Rapids Washington's Frank Lindwall spent the summer improving his golf game.

The results were favorable and the Warrior junior will attempt to extend that success into the varsity season. Washington and other Mississippi Valley Conference programs open the boys' fall season Thursday with the MVC Super Meet at Jones.

Lindwall put in the time and effort in the off-season, reaping the benefits. He won the Rotary Pribyl Junior Tournament by eight strokes, leading from start to finish. He also captured a title at the U.S. Junior Amateur Sectional Qualifier at Finkbine Golf Course in Iowa City, advancing to the USGA's U.S. Junior Amateur Open.

'It's been great,” Lindwall said. 'I met a lot of my goals this summer. I got a lot better. I worked hard.”

Washington co-head coach Chris James served as Lindwall's caddie for some of the events. He has noticed a more physically and mentally mature player. Part of it is being a year older and part is challenging himself.

'He's tried to get in as many competitive tournaments as possible,” James said. 'He never settles. He is very motivated at his age. He wants to play against the best.”

Lindwall earned that right, competing in the U.S. Junior Open at Colleton River Plantation Club in Bluffton, S.C., in July. The field included more than 150 golfers from about 40 states and five other continents. He finished stroke play tied for 60th with seven others, carding 150 through 36 holes and missing the cut for match play on a tiebreaker.

'It was such a privilege,” Lindwall said. 'It was a wonderful experience. I learned a lot about my game and how it compares.

'It's human nature to compare your game with others. At the end of the day, you have to believe in yourself.”

Lindwall proved he belongs among the best golfers. He has learned a few lessons during the off-season, including how to compete when he isn't shooting his best. Perseverance and the ability to grind out good scores on occasion are keys to success.

'Golf is very fickle,” Lindwall said. 'You have good and bad days. The good players can make something out of nothing.”

The emphasis was placed at improving the short game. Lindwall noted irons and wedges are important to keep scores low. James noticed added distance to his shots and better approach during play.

'He's hitting it farther,” James said. 'He's not relying on getting up and down every hole. He's hitting more greens.

'He manages the course better. That's his biggest improvement.”

Success isn't a surprise. Lindwall was MVC Mississippi Division Athlete of the Year, winning the three-round competition. He also tied for 10th at the 4A state meet as a freshman. Lindwall, and the rest of the Warrior team, didn't qualify for state last season, placing a chip on their shoulder.

'We had a pretty good season as a team,” Lindwall said. 'Not to make it (to state) was disappointing. We all got better over the summer. We are poised to get there.”

He dedicated a couple days a week to weight training with James. He spent numerous hours working on his swing with Elmcrest Country Club golf professional Larry Gladson, developing a more cerebral approach to his mechanics. Missing the state tournament provided motivation.

'I think it humbled him,” James said. 'He went back to work.”

Lindwall has aspirations of playing on the PGA Tour someday, just like Zach Johnson. He also would like to claim a state title as well. Big feats are made by achieving by the small ones.

'My goal is to keep getting better,” said Lindwall, noting that applies to the team also. 'If we can keep getting better, then we will all be in a good position at the end.”

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